What is the most exasperating aspect of Windows 11? If user reviews were gathered, it would likely generate an extensive list of criticisms.
A frequent complaint revolves around Windows Backup, particularly the “start backup” feature visible in File Explorer.
When users access particular directories in File Explorer, such as Pictures or Documents, they might notice “start backup” emphasized in the address bar.
This functionality is intended to encourage users to back up their files using OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage solution.
While this may be bothersome, especially for users who do not utilize OneDrive, the absence of a straightforward method to deactivate the feature exacerbates the annoyance.
Though eliminating OneDrive would eliminate the backup prompt, this choice is only viable for users not engaged with Microsoft’s cloud service. Many users unintentionally interact with it, as it is integrated into the operating system and associated with Microsoft accounts.
New Method to Disable Start Backup in Windows 11
Windows researcher PhantomOfEarth has unearthed a new capability in the most recent beta version released by Microsoft this week.
This update presents a means to entirely deactivate backup notifications in File Explorer. It required almost a year for Microsoft to implement this user-friendly improvement.
At present, right-clicking on Start backup in the stable editions does not offer any choices. However, in the beta, users will discover two alternatives:
- Remind me in 1 month.
- Turn off reminder.
The first choice temporarily conceals the reminder, while the second choice permanently turns it off. If you prefer not to see it, select the option to disable Start backup in File Explorer, which will substitute it with a generic PC icon.
Bear in mind that even after disabling the reminders, Microsoft continues to display some information. Clicking on the icon displays “backup reminder is off.” This brief popup also includes instructions on how to re-enable the feature, which cannot be done directly from File Explorer.
To reinstate the feature, users must access the OneDrive settings.
How to Activate the Option
PhantomOfEarth has highlighted that the feature is disabled by default. You can activate it by following these steps (which may also be beneficial once it becomes accessible in stable releases, as Microsoft plans to roll it out in phases):
- Download the latest version of ViVeTool from the GitHub repository.
- Extract the contents of the Zip file to your local computer.
- Open the Start menu.
- Type cmd.
- Select Run as administrator from the context menu.
- Use CD PATH to navigate to the ViVeTool directory, for example, C:ViVeTool.
- Execute the command vivetool /enable /id:47944061
- Restart your computer.
After rebooting, you should find the new option available when you right-click on the Start backup item in File Explorer.
Image Source: Mojahid Mottakin / Shutterstock
